zkousnout

Zkousnout is a Czech verb meaning to sample by tasting or to take a bite, usually with the purpose of assessing flavor or quality. It denotes a single, practical act of trying something rather than a prolonged test. The form is perfective; it implies completion of the action, often used when the speaker intends to form a quick judgment about taste.

Etymology and range: It is derived from the root zkus- (to try) with the prefix z- and the infinitive suffix -nout, forming a close relative of vyzkoušet and zkoušet. The sense centers on bodily tasting or tasting as a means of evaluation, especially with food and drink. In everyday speech it can carry a light, informal tone.

Usage: Zkousnout is most common in casual contexts when people describe tasting a small amount to decide whether to continue eating, to judge freshness, or to assess quality. It is more colloquial than ochutnat (to taste) or vyzkoušet (to try out in a broader sense). It can also appear in figurative uses, meaning to test something briefly or to sample an option before committing.

See also: ochutnat, vyzkoušet, zkusit; zkoušet. Notes: While the term is widely understood in Czech, speakers might choose more precise verbs depending on context and formality.